Rotary Cutter Question

[fixitman123]

Bluesteel, great find on that cutter at 1/2price. Have you considered a harder sheer bolt. I wouldn't think it should shear so easily. I had a small boat motor that would sheer the pin if you looked at it wrong! I got a harder pin and don't think I ever had to replace it again.
Check out http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/ls-tractors/255173-shear-pin.html

 

[oscar169]

I would not go with a Hardened bolt, the shear bolt is b/c you don't have a slip clutch?? I was thinking all Brush Hogs had slip clutches, If not I would dump it as soon as possible, will get old real quick changing that bolt all the time and if you go with a Hardened bolt you risk damage to the PTO on tractor,

 

[Bluesteel]

I would not go with a Hardened bolt, the shear bolt is b/c you don't have a slip clutch?? I was thinking all Brush Hogs had slip clutches, If not I would dump it as soon as possible, will get old real quick changing that bolt all the time and if you go with a Hardened bolt you risk damage to the PTO on tractor,

Yes, there is no slip clutch (yet) and yes it gets old replacing that bolt. I don't want to use more than a grade 2 bolt for fear of damaging the PTO on the tractor. I can get a slip clutch that bolts between the gear box and PTO shaft for about $120 through Agri Supply. I found one local for $150 at our farm store where most items are over priced. I would think you would use a harder bolt than a grade 2 to bolt the clutch on. Probably a grade 5?

 

[stuckmotor]

My mower was shearing bolts like crazy, until I realized the bolts I was using were one size too small. Enough said.

 

[oscar169]

Yes, there is no slip clutch (yet) and yes it gets old replacing that bolt. I don't want to use more than a grade 2 bolt for fear of damaging the PTO on the tractor. I can get a slip clutch that bolts between the gear box and PTO shaft for about $120 through Agri Supply. I found one local for $150 at our farm store where most items are over priced. I would think you would use a harder bolt than a grade 2 to bolt the clutch on. Probably a grade 5?

Man if you got a really good deal on the Brush Hog then you better of getting the slip clutch and just be hogging away with no worries

 

[bumperm]

Grade 5 is often spec'd for shear bolts rather than softer bolts, just don't use grade 8. Problem with softer bolts is that upon failing, the sheared ends tend to smear or wipe as the metal flows. This sometimes makes it more difficult to remove the pieces. Grade 5 shears cleanly.

 

[Bluesteel]

It looks like you install a slip clutch using grade 8 bolts. Several listed come with the bolts. Thanks for all the info.

 

[HEC]

There are pros and cons to shear bolts and slip clutches . Slip clutches must be adjusted properly in order to do their job correctly . They need to be adjusted each season and after not being used for a time , if not the clutches can stick together . I have slip clutches on both my cutters and find it a pain , just my opinion , if I was replacing shear bolts all the time that would be a pain also , but much easier , and knowing they were always ready to do their job. If I let my slip clutches set for a month or so not being used I always wonder .

 

[Bluesteel]

Little update. After draining the excess oil out of the gearbox no more oil came out of the vent. Problem solved. I used it a couple hours and never sheared a bolt (I never hit anything). I was almost done and moved to mow a small area. Engaged the PTO and bam, sheared the bolt. Needless to say I have a slip clutch coming. Done with the shear bolts. They are no good if you can't even engage the cutter without shearing it. I found a brand new clutch (Eurocardan) on ebay shipped for less than half price.

 

[jaydee325]

Little update. After draining the excess oil out of the gearbox no more oil came out of the vent. Problem solved. I used it a couple hours and never sheared a bolt (I never hit anything). I was almost done and moved to mow a small area. Engaged the PTO and bam, sheared the bolt. Needless to say I have a slip clutch coming. Done with the shear bolts. They are no good if you can't even engage the cutter without shearing it. I found a brand new clutch (Eurocardan) on ebay shipped for less than half price.

I'm surprised you've sheered so many pins. I've sheered three on my LS 72" cutter and all three were from hitting good size 4" - 6" logs lurking in the overgrowth. I've even grounded the blades and bogged the engine down before getting my hand on the lift lever to get the cutter off the ground and not had the pin sheer.

I'm using generic grade 2 bolts.